Sargent Spruce (Picea brachytyla)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Picea brachytyla is an evergreen Tree growing to 40 m (131ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Flowers, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — Young male catkins - raw or cooked.; Used as a flavouring.; Immature female cones - cooked.; The central portion, when roasted, is sweet and syrupy.

Habitat & North American Range

Woodlands, 1600 - 2000 metres. Mountain slopes, valleys and river basins at elevations of 1500 - 3800 mtres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)